Systems for set connector assembly with lock

ABSTRACT

A set connector assembly for a fluid infusion device is provided. The set connector assembly includes a connector having a body. The body defines a graspable portion and a coupling portion, and the coupling portion is to be received within a portion of the fluid infusion device. The graspable portion has at least one wing that defines at least one locking tab for locking the connector to the fluid infusion device. The graspable portion is movable relative to the body to move the connector between a first, locked position and a second, unlocked position relative to the fluid infusion device.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the subject matter described herein relate generally tofluid infusion devices for delivering a medication fluid to the body ofa user. More particularly, embodiments of the subject matter relate tosystems for a fluid infusion device having a set connector assembly witha lock.

BACKGROUND

Certain diseases or conditions may be treated, according to modernmedical techniques, by delivering a medication or other substance to thebody of a user, either in a continuous manner or at particular times ortime intervals within an overall time period. For example, diabetes iscommonly treated by delivering defined amounts of insulin to the user atappropriate times. Some common modes of providing insulin therapy to auser include delivery of insulin through manually operated syringes andinsulin pens. Other modern systems employ programmable fluid infusiondevices (e.g., insulin pumps) to deliver controlled amounts of insulinto a user.

A fluid infusion device suitable for use as an insulin pump may berealized as an external device or an implantable device, which issurgically implanted into the body of the user. External fluid infusiondevices include devices designed for use in a generally stationarylocation (for example, in a hospital or clinic), and devices configuredfor ambulatory or portable use (to be carried by a user). External fluidinfusion devices may establish a fluid flow path from a fluid reservoirto the patient via, for example, a suitable hollow tubing. In certaininstances, the hollow tubing is coupled to the external fluid infusiondevice by a set connector assembly. For external infusion devices forambulatory or portable use, the set connector assembly may inadvertentlymove during a movement of the user.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide systems for a set connectorassembly with a lock for use with a fluid infusion device. Furthermore,other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent fromthe subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technicalfield and background.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to various embodiments, provided is a set connector assemblyfor a fluid infusion device. The set connector assembly includes aconnector having a body. The body defines a graspable portion and acoupling portion, and the coupling portion is to be received within aportion of the fluid infusion device. The graspable portion has at leastone locking tab to lock the connector to the fluid infusion device, andthe graspable portion is movable relative to the body to move theconnector between a first, locked position and a second, unlockedposition relative to the fluid infusion device.

Further provided is a fluid infusion device. The fluid infusion deviceincludes a housing that includes a lock, and a set connector assemblyremovably coupled to the housing to define a fluid flow path from thefluid infusion device. The set connector assembly includes a connectorhaving a body. The body defines a graspable portion and a couplingportion. The coupling portion is receivable within the housing. Thegraspable portion has at least one locking tab that engages the lock,and the graspable portion is movable relative to the body to move theconnector between a first, locked position and a second, unlockedposition relative to the housing.

Also provided is a fluid infusion device. The fluid infusion deviceincludes a housing having an opening that receives a fluid reservoir.The housing includes a lock. The fluid infusion device includes a setconnector assembly removably coupled to the housing to define a fluidflow path from the fluid reservoir. The set connector assembly includesa connector having a body. The body defines a graspable portion and acoupling portion. The coupling portion is receivable within the housingand positionable about the fluid reservoir to define the fluid flowpath. The graspable portion has a locking arm that defines a locking tabthat engages the lock. The graspable portion is movable relative to thebody to move the connector between a first, locked position and asecond, unlocked position relative to the housing.

According to various embodiments, also provided is a set connectorassembly for a fluid infusion device. The set connector assemblyincludes a connector having a body. The body defines a graspable portionand a coupling portion, and the coupling portion is to be receivedwithin a portion of the fluid infusion device. The graspable portion hasat least one wing that defines at least one locking tab for locking theconnector to the fluid infusion device. The graspable portion is movablerelative to the body to move the connector between a first, lockedposition and a second, unlocked position relative to the fluid infusiondevice.

Further provided is a set connector assembly for a fluid infusiondevice. The set connector assembly includes a connector having a bodythat defines a graspable portion and a coupling portion. The couplingportion is to be received within a portion of the fluid infusion device.The graspable portion includes a first wing that defines a first lockingtab to lock the connector to the fluid infusion device; a second wingthat defines a second locking tab to lock the connector to the fluidinfusion device; and a main branch having a first end and a second end.The first wing is coupled to the first end and the second wing iscoupled to the second end. The main branch couples the graspable portionto the coupling portion such that a gap is defined between the firstwing and the coupling portion and the second wing and the couplingportion. The graspable portion is movable relative to the body to movethe connector between a first, locked position and a second, unlockedposition relative to the fluid infusion device.

Also provided according to various embodiments is a fluid infusiondevice. The fluid infusion device includes a housing that includes alock and a set connector assembly removably coupled to the housing todefine a fluid flow path from the fluid infusion device. The setconnector assembly includes a connector having a body that defines agraspable portion and a coupling portion. The coupling portion isreceivable within the housing, and the graspable portion has at leastone wing that defines a locking tab for engaging the lock. The at leastone wing is movable relative to the body to disengage the locking tabwith the lock.

Further provided is a fluid infusion device. The fluid infusion deviceincludes a fluid reservoir and a housing that includes an opening thatreceives the fluid reservoir. The fluid infusion device includes aretaining ring coupled to the housing about the opening that includes atleast one lock. The fluid infusion device also includes a set connectorassembly removably coupled to the housing to define a fluid flow pathfrom the fluid infusion device. The set connector assembly includes aconnector having a body that defines a graspable portion and a couplingportion. The coupling portion is receivable within the housing and iscoupled to the fluid reservoir. The graspable portion includes at leastone wing that defines a locking tab for engaging the at least one lock.The connector is movable relative to the housing between a firstposition, in which the locking tab engages the at least one lock toretain the fluid reservoir within the housing, and a second position, inwhich the locking tab is disengaged from the at least one lock to enablethe removal of the fluid reservoir from the housing.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the detaileddescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the subject matter may be derived byreferring to the detailed description and claims when considered inconjunction with the following figures, wherein like reference numbersrefer to similar elements throughout the figures.

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram representation of an embodiment ofa fluid delivery system according to various embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a fluid deliverysystem that includes a fluid infusion device having an exemplary setconnector assembly with a lock and an infusion set according to thevarious teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid infusion device of FIG. 2,taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an end view of a portion of the fluid infusion device of FIG.2, with a connector of the set connector assembly shown in a second,unlocked position relative to a housing of the fluid infusion device;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a retaining ring associated with thehousing of the fluid infusion device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a portion of the fluid infusion device of FIG.2, with the connector of the set connector assembly shown in a first,locked position relative to the housing of the fluid infusion device;

FIG. 7 is a side view of a portion of the fluid infusion device of FIG.2, with the connector of the set connector assembly of FIG. 4 in thesecond, unlocked position relative to the housing of the fluid infusiondevice;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the fluid infusion deviceof FIG. 2, with the connector of the set connector assembly of FIG. 4 inthe second, unlocked position;

FIG. 9 is a side view of a portion of the fluid infusion device of FIG.2, with a connector of an exemplary set connector assembly in a first,locked position relative to the housing of the fluid infusion device inaccordance with the various teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of an exemplary retaining ring, whichis associated with the housing of the fluid infusion device of FIG. 2 inaccordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of the fluid infusion deviceof FIG. 2, with the connector of the set connector assembly of FIG. 9shown in a second, unlocked position relative to the housing of thefluid infusion device;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid infusion device andconnector of FIG. 9, taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a top view of a portion of the fluid infusion device of FIG.2, with the connector of the set connector assembly of FIG. 9 shown inthe first, locked position relative to the housing of the fluid infusiondevice;

FIG. 14 is a side view of a portion of the fluid infusion device of FIG.2, with a connector of an exemplary set connector assembly in a first,locked position relative to the housing of the fluid infusion device inaccordance with the various teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of a portion of the fluid infusiondevice of FIG. 2, with the connector of the set connector assembly ofFIG. 14 shown in a second, unlocked position relative to the housing ofthe fluid infusion device;

FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of a portion of the fluid infusiondevice of FIG. 2, with the connector of the set connector assembly ofFIG. 14 shown in the first, locked position relative to the housing ofthe fluid infusion device;

FIG. 17 is a side perspective view of a portion of the fluid infusiondevice of FIG. 2, with a connector of an exemplary set connectorassembly in a first, locked position relative to the housing of thefluid infusion device in accordance with the various teachings of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a top view of the connector of FIG. 17, which includesexemplary markings on a surface of the connector; and

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 17, in which theexemplary marking are removed for clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely illustrative in nature andis not intended to limit the embodiments of the subject matter or theapplication and uses of such embodiments. As used herein, the word“exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.”Any implementation described herein as exemplary is not necessarily tobe construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed orimplied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background,brief summary or the following detailed description.

Certain terminology may be used in the following description for thepurpose of reference only, and thus are not intended to be limiting. Forexample, terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “upper”, “lower”, “above”, and“below” could be used to refer to directions in the drawings to whichreference is made. Terms such as “front”, “back”, “rear”, “side”,“outboard”, and “inboard” could be used to describe the orientationand/or location of portions of the component within a consistent butarbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference to thetext and the associated drawings describing the component underdiscussion. Such terminology may include the words specificallymentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.Similarly, the terms “first”, “second”, and other such numerical termsreferring to structures do not imply a sequence or order unless clearlyindicated by the context.

As used herein, the term module refers to any hardware, software,firmware, electronic control component, processing logic, and/orprocessor device, individually or in any combination, including withoutlimitation: application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), anelectronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memorythat executes one or more software or firmware programs, a combinationallogic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide thedescribed functionality.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may be described herein in termsof functional and/or logical block components and various processingsteps. It should be appreciated that such block components may berealized by any number of hardware, software, and/or firmware componentsconfigured to perform the specified functions. For example, anembodiment of the present disclosure may employ various integratedcircuit components, e.g., memory elements, digital signal processingelements, logic elements, look-up tables, or the like, which may carryout a variety of functions under the control of one or moremicroprocessors or other control devices.

For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques related to signalprocessing, data transmission, signaling, control, and other functionalaspects of the systems (and the individual operating components of thesystems) may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, theconnecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein areintended to represent example functional relationships and/or physicalcouplings between the various elements. It should be noted that manyalternative or additional functional relationships or physicalconnections may be present in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The following description relates to a fluid infusion device of the typeused to treat a medical condition of a user. The infusion device can beused for infusing fluid into the body of a user. The non-limitingexamples described below relate to a medical device used to treatdiabetes (more specifically, an insulin pump), although embodiments ofthe disclosed subject matter are not so limited. Accordingly, theinfused medication fluid is insulin in certain embodiments. Inalternative embodiments, however, many other fluids may be administeredthrough infusion such as, but not limited to, disease treatments, drugsto treat pulmonary hypertension, iron chelation drugs, pain medications,anti-cancer treatments, medications, vitamins, hormones, or the like.For the sake of brevity, conventional features and characteristicsrelated to infusion system operation, insulin pump and/or infusion setoperation, fluid reservoirs, and fluid syringes may not be described indetail here. Examples of infusion pumps and/or related pump drivesystems used to administer insulin and other medications may be of thetype described in, but not limited to: U.S. Patent Publication Nos.2009/0299290 and 2008/0269687; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,562,751; 4,678,408;4,685,903; 5,080,653; 5,505,709; 5,097,122; 6,485,465; 6,554,798;6,558,351; 6,659,980; 6,752,787; 6,817,990; 6,932,584; 7,621,893;7,828,764; and 7,905,868; which are each incorporated by referenceherein.

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram representation of an embodiment ofa fluid delivery system 100, which can be utilized to administer amedication fluid such as insulin to a patient. The fluid delivery system100 includes a fluid infusion device 102 (e.g., an infusion pump) and afluid conduit assembly 104 that is coupled to, integrated with, orotherwise associated with the fluid infusion device 102. The fluidinfusion device 102 includes a fluid reservoir 106 or an equivalentsupply of the medication fluid to be administered. The fluid infusiondevice 102 is operated in a controlled manner to deliver the medicationfluid to the user via the fluid conduit assembly 104. Although notdepicted in FIG. 1, the fluid delivery system 100 also includes setconnector assembly with a lock that couples the fluid conduit assembly104 to the fluid reservoir 106.

The fluid infusion device 102 may be provided in any desiredconfiguration or platform. In accordance with one non-limitingembodiment, the fluid infusion device is realized as a portable unitthat can be carried or worn by the patient. In this regard, FIG. 2 is aplan view of an exemplary embodiment of a fluid delivery system 200 thatincludes a portable fluid infusion device 202 and a fluid conduitassembly that takes the form of an infusion set component 204. Theinfusion set component 204 is coupled to the fluid infusion device 202.The fluid infusion device 202 accommodates a fluid reservoir (shown inFIG. 3) for the medication fluid to be delivered to the user.

The illustrated embodiment of the infusion set component 204 includes,without limitation: a tube 210; an infusion unit 212 coupled to thedistal end of the tube 210; and a set connector or set connectorassembly 214 coupled to the proximal end of the tube 210. The infusionset component 204 defines a fluid flow path that fluidly couples thefluid reservoir to the infusion unit 212. The fluid infusion device 202is designed to be carried or worn by the patient, and the infusion setcomponent 204 terminates at the infusion unit 212 such that the fluidinfusion device 202 can deliver fluid to the body of the patient via thetube 210. The fluid infusion device 202 may leverage a number ofconventional features, components, elements, and characteristics ofexisting fluid infusion devices. For example, the fluid infusion device202 may incorporate some of the features, components, elements, and/orcharacteristics described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,485,465 and 7,621,893, therelevant content of which is incorporated by reference herein.

In this example, the fluid infusion device 202 includes a user interface216 and a display 218 coupled to a housing 220. The user interface 216includes one or more input devices 222, which can be activated by theuser. The user interface 216 can be used to administer a bolus ofinsulin, to change therapy settings, to change user preferences, toselect display features, and the like. Although not required, theillustrated embodiment of the fluid infusion device 202 includes thedisplay 218. The display 218 can be used to present various types ofinformation or data to the user, such as, without limitation: thecurrent glucose level of the patient; the time; a graph or chart of thepatient's glucose level versus time; device status indicators, etc. Insome embodiments, the display 218 is realized as a touch screen displayelement and, therefore, the display 218 also serves as a user interfacecomponent.

With reference to FIG. 3, the housing 220 of the fluid infusion device202 accommodates a power supply 224, a controller or control module 226,a drive system 228 and a fluid reservoir system 230. Generally, thepower supply 224, the control module 226 and the drive system 228 areaccommodated in a pump chamber defined by the housing 220, and the fluidreservoir system 230 is accommodated in a reservoir chamber defined bythe housing 220.

The power supply 224 is any suitable device for supplying the fluidinfusion device 202 with power, including, but not limited to, abattery. In one example, the power supply 224 can be removable relativeto the housing 220; however, the power supply 224 can also be fixedwithin the housing 220. The control module 226 is in communication withthe user interface 216, display 218, power supply 224 and drive system228. The control module 226 controls the operation of the fluid infusiondevice 202 based on patient specific operating parameters. For example,the control module 226 controls the supply of power from the powersupply 224 to the drive system 228 to activate the drive system 124 todispense fluid from the fluid reservoir system 230. Further detailregarding the control of the fluid infusion device 202 can be found inU.S. Pat. Nos. 6,485,465 and 7,621,893, the relevant content of whichwas previously incorporated herein by reference.

The drive system 228 cooperates with the fluid reservoir system 230 todispense the fluid from the fluid reservoir system 230. In one example,the drive system 228 includes a motor 232, a gear box 234, a drive screw236 and a slide 238. The motor 232 receives power from the power supply224 as controlled by the control module 226. In one example, the motor232 is an electric motor. The motor 232 includes an output shaft 232 a.The output shaft 232 a is coupled to the gear box 234. In oneembodiment, the gear box 234 is a reduction gear box. The gear box 234includes an output shaft 234 a, which is coupled to the drive screw 236.

The drive screw 236 includes a generally cylindrical distal portion 240and a generally cylindrical proximal portion 242. The distal portion 240has a diameter, which can be larger than a diameter of the proximalportion 242. The distal portion 240 includes a plurality of threads 240a. The plurality of threads 240 a are generally formed about an exteriorcircumference of the distal portion 240. The proximal portion 242 isgenerally unthreaded, and can be sized to be received within a portionof the slide 238. The proximal portion 242 can serve to align the drivescrew 236 within the slide 238 during assembly, for example.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, the slide 238 is substantiallycylindrical and includes a distal slide end 244, a proximal slide end246 and a plurality of threads 248. The distal slide end 244 is adjacentto the motor 232 when the slide 238 is in a first, fully retractedposition and the proximal slide end 246 is adjacent to the drive screw236 when the slide 238 is in the first, fully retracted position. Theproximal slide end 246 includes a projection 250 and a shoulder 252,which cooperate with the fluid reservoir system 230 to dispense thefluid from the fluid reservoir system 230. The shoulder 252 is definedadjacent to the projection 250 and contacts a portion of the fluidreservoir system 230 to dispense fluid from the fluid reservoir system230.

The plurality of threads 248 of the slide 238 are formed along aninterior surface 238 a of the slide 238 between the distal slide end 244and the proximal slide end 246. The plurality of threads 248 are formedso as to threadably engage the threads 240 a of the drive screw 236.Thus, the rotation of the drive screw 236 causes the linear translationof the slide 238.

In this regard, the slide 238 is generally sized such that in a first,retracted position, the motor 232, the gear box 234 and the drive screw236 are substantially surrounded by the slide 238. The slide 238 ismovable to a second, fully extended position through the operation ofthe motor 232. The slide 238 is also movable to a plurality of positionsbetween the first, retracted position and the second, fully extendedposition via the operation of the motor 232. Generally, the operation ofthe motor 232 rotates the output shaft 232 a, which is coupled to thegear box 234. The gear box 234 reduces the speed and increases thetorque output by the motor 232, and the output shaft 234 a of the gearbox 234 rotates the drive screw 236, which moves along the threads 248formed within the slide 238. The movement or rotation of the drive screw236 relative to the slide 238 causes the movement or linear translationof the slide 238 within the housing 220. The forward advancement of theslide 238 (i.e. the movement of the slide 238 toward the fluid reservoirsystem 230) causes the fluid reservoir system 230 to dispense fluid.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, the fluid reservoir system 230includes a fluid reservoir 254, a sealing member 256 and a retainingring 258. The fluid reservoir 254 and the sealing member 256 are eachreceived within an opening defined by the housing 220, and the retainingring 258 is coupled about the opening. The sealing member 256 is coupledbetween the fluid reservoir 254 and the retaining ring 258 to preventthe ingress of fluids into the fluid reservoir chamber of the housing220. In one example, the sealing member 256 comprises an O-ring;however, any suitable device can be used to prevent the ingress offluids, as known to one skilled in the art.

With reference to FIG. 3, the fluid reservoir 254 includes a body orbarrel 260 and a stopper 262. The barrel 260 has a first or distalbarrel end 264 and a second or proximal barrel end 266. Fluid F isretained within the barrel 260 between the distal barrel end 264 and theproximal barrel end 266. The distal barrel end 264 is positionedadjacent to the slide 238 when the fluid reservoir 254 is assembled inthe housing 220. Generally, the distal barrel end 264 can have asubstantially open perimeter or can be substantially circumferentiallyopen such that the slide 238 is receivable within the barrel 260 throughthe distal barrel end 264.

The proximal barrel end 266 can have any desirable size and shapeconfigured to mate with at least a portion of the set connector assembly214, as will be discussed in further detail herein. In one example, theproximal barrel end 266 defines a passageway 226 a through which thefluid F flows out of the fluid reservoir 254. The passageway 226 a isclosed by a septum 268. The septum 268 is received within a portion ofthe proximal barrel end 266, and is coupled to the proximal barrel end266 through any suitable technique, such as ultrasonic welding,press-fit, etc. The septum 268 serves as a barrier to prevent theingress of fluids into the fluid reservoir system 230, and prevents theegress of fluids from the fluid reservoir 254. The septum 268 ispierceable by the set connector assembly 214 to define a fluid flow pathout of the fluid reservoir 254. In one example, the set connectorassembly 214 includes a connector 270, a hollow instrument or needle 272and the tube 210. As will be discussed, the connector 270 couples theneedle 272 and the tube 210 to the fluid reservoir 254, and locks intoplace once coupled to the fluid reservoir 254 to maintain the fluid flowpath between the fluid reservoir 254 and the infusion unit 212 (FIG. 2).The needle 272 defines a flow path for the fluid F out of the fluidreservoir 254, through the connector 270 and into the tube 210.

In one example, the housing 220 includes a retaining system 274, whichcouples the set connector assembly 214 to the fluid reservoir 254. Inone example, the retaining system 274 comprises one or more threads 274a. The one or more threads 274 a threadably engage corresponding threads276 (FIG. 4) defined in the connector 270 to couple the connector 270 tothe fluid reservoir 254.

With reference to FIG. 3, the stopper 262 is disposed within the barrel260. The stopper 262 is movable within and relative to the barrel 260 todispense fluid from the fluid reservoir 254. When the barrel 260 is fullof fluid, the stopper 262 is adjacent to the distal barrel end 264, andthe stopper 262 is movable to a position adjacent to the proximal barrelend 266 to empty the fluid from the fluid reservoir 254. In one example,the stopper 262 is substantially cylindrical, and includes a distalstopper end 277, a proximal stopper end 278, at least one frictionelement 280 and a counterbore 282 defined from the distal stopper end277 to the proximal stopper end 278.

The distal stopper end 277 is open about a perimeter of the distalstopper end 277, and thus, is generally circumferentially open. Theproximal stopper end 278 is closed about a perimeter of the proximalstopper end 278, and thus, is generally circumferentially closed. Theproximal stopper end 278 includes a slightly conical external surface,however, the proximal stopper end 278 can be flat, convex, etc. The atleast one friction element 280 is coupled to the stopper 262 about anexterior surface of the stopper 262. In one example, the at least onefriction element 280 comprises two friction elements, which include, butare not limited to, O-rings. The friction elements 280 are coupled tocircumferential grooves defined in the exterior surface of the stopper262.

The counterbore 282 receives the projection 250 of the slide 238 and themovement of the slide 238 causes the shoulder 252 of the slide 238 tocontact and move the stopper 262. In one example, the counterbore 282includes threads; however, the projection 250 of the slide 238 is notthreadably engaged with the stopper 262. Thus, the threads illustratedherein are merely exemplary.

The retaining ring 258 cooperates with the set connector assembly 214 toaid in coupling the connector 270 to the fluid reservoir 254, as will bediscussed in greater detail herein. The retaining ring 258 is coupled toa portion of the housing 220 and substantially surrounds the openingdefined in the housing 220 that receives the fluid reservoir 254. Theretaining ring 258 is coupled to the housing 220 about the opening suchthat the sealing member 256 is disposed between the housing 220 and theretaining ring 258. For example, the retaining ring 258 can beultrasonically welded onto the housing 220; however, any suitabletechnique can be used to couple the retaining ring 258 to the housing220, such as a press-fit, mechanical fasteners, etc. In one example, theretaining ring 258 is substantially annular; however, the retaining ring258 can have any suitable shape that corresponds to the shape of theportion of the housing 220 that receives the fluid reservoir 254.

With reference to FIG. 4, the retaining ring 258 is illustrated withoutthe set connector assembly 214 and the fluid reservoir 254. Theretaining ring 258 includes one or more locks 284, which cooperate withthe set connector assembly 214 to lock the set connector assembly 214 tothe housing 220. In this example, the retaining ring 258 comprises twolocks 284 that are positioned substantially opposite each other about acircumference of the retaining ring 258. It should be noted, however,that any number of locks 284 can be employed and the locks 284 can bepositioned at any desired location about the circumference of theretaining ring 258. The locks 284 are substantially U-shaped pockets,and are sized to receive a portion of the set connector assembly 214. Inthis example, the locks 284 include a plurality of planar wall surfaces284 a and an arcuate surface 284 b, which cooperate to define the locks284. It should be noted, however, that the locks 284 can have anydesired shape, and moreover, the locks 284 need not have the same shape.Further, the locks 284 can include one or more ramp surfaces, ifdesired. In this example, the planar wall surfaces 284 a act as a stopfor the portion of the set connector assembly 214, while the arcuatesurface 284 b provides clearance for the portion of the set connectorassembly 214 within the locks 284.

With reference to FIG. 3, the set connector assembly 214 mates with andcouples to the proximal barrel end 266 of the fluid reservoir 254,establishing the fluid path from the fluid reservoir 254 to the tube210. The set connector assembly 214 (with the fluid reservoir 254coupled thereto) is coupled to the housing 220 of the fluid infusiondevice 202 to seal and secure the fluid reservoir 254 inside the housing220. Thereafter, actuation of the fluid infusion device 202 causes themedication fluid to be expelled from the fluid reservoir 254, throughthe infusion set component 204, and into the body of the patient via theinfusion unit 212 at the distal end of the tube 210. Accordingly, whenthe set connector assembly 214 is installed as depicted in FIG. 3, thetube 210 extends from the fluid infusion device 202 to the infusion unit212 and the needle 272 provides a fluid pathway to the body of thepatient. For the illustrated embodiment, the set connector assembly 214is realized as a removable reservoir cap (or fitting) that is suitablysized and configured to accommodate replacement of fluid reservoirs(which are typically disposable) as needed.

With reference to FIG. 4, the connector 270 of the set connectorassembly 214 is shown in greater detail. In FIG. 4, the connector 270 isillustrated without the needle 272 and the tube 210 for clarity. Theconnector 270 is removably coupled to the housing 220 and retains thefluid reservoir 254 within the housing 220. Generally, the connector 270is composed of a polymeric material, such as a polycarbonate material,and comprises a one-piece monolithic component; however, the connector270 can be composed of any suitable material and can be assembled frommultiple components. In the example of a monolithic polymeric component,the connector 270 can be formed through injection molding, or 3Dprinting, for example. The connector 270 has a body 298, which defines agraspable portion 300 and a coupling portion 302. The graspable portion300 is movable relative to the body 298 to move the connector 270between a first, locked position and a second, unlocked positionrelative to the housing 220.

The graspable portion 300 includes a main branch 304, a first wing 306and a second wing 308. The main branch 304 extends from the couplingportion 302 and couples the graspable portion 300 to the couplingportion 302. One or more of the first wing 306 and the second wing 308define a locking tab 310. In this example, the first wing 306 defines alocking tab 310′, and the second wing 308 defines a locking tab 310″.The locking tabs 310′, 310″ are substantially similar on both the firstwing 306 and the second wing 308; however, it should be understood thatthe locking tabs 310′, 310″ need not be substantially identical. Withreference to FIG. 6, the graspable portion 300 is generally mirrorsymmetric about an axis A.

The main branch 304 defines a bore 312, which receives the needle 272and the tube 210 (FIG. 3). In one example, the needle 272 and the tube210 are coupled to the bore 312 through any desired technique, such asultrasonic welding, adhesive bonding, etc. As illustrated in FIG. 4, thebore 312 is generally defined along a longitudinal axis L of the body298 of the connector 270. The main branch 304 generally extends awayfrom the coupling portion 302 to define a gap 314 between the first wing306 and the second wing 308. The gap 314 enables the first wing 306 andthe second wing 308 to move relative to the main branch 304, therebyengaging or disengaging the locking tabs 310′, 310″, as will bediscussed in greater detail herein. Stated another way, the main branch304 couples the graspable portion 300 to the coupling portion 302 suchthat the gap 314 is defined between the first wing 306, the second wing308 and the coupling portion 302. In other words, the first wing 306 andthe second wing 308 are not coupled to the coupling portion 302, butrather, the first wing 306 and the second wing 308 are movable relativeto the coupling portion 302 and are each coupled solely to the mainbranch 304.

With reference back to FIG. 6, the main branch 304 includes a first end304 a and an opposite, second end 304 b. The first wing 306 is coupledto the first end 304 a, and the second wing 308 is coupled to the secondend 304 b. Generally, the first wing 306 is coupled to the first end 304a such that the first wing 306 extends from the first end 304 a in afirst direction towards the second end 304 b of the main branch 304, andthe second wing 308 is coupled to the second end 304 b such that thesecond wing 308 extends from the second end 304 b in a second directiontowards the first end 304 a. The second direction is different than thefirst direction, and in this example, is substantially opposite thefirst direction.

The first wing 306 includes a first arm 316 and a first flange 318. Thefirst arm 316 is coupled to the first end 304 a, and extends upwardlyfrom the first flange 318 so as to be adjacent to a top surface 304 c ofthe main branch 304. The first arm 316 is substantially arcuate, andincludes a first arm end 316 a and a second arm end 316 b. The first armend 316 a is coupled to the first end 304 a at a living hinge. Thesecond arm end 316 b extends from the first arm end 316 a, in adirection toward the second end 304 b of the main branch 304. Generally,the second arm end 316 b does not extend to the second end 304 b, butrather, extends for a length that is different than, and for example,less than, a length L2 of the main branch 304. The first flange 318 iscoupled to the first arm 316 and extends along the first arm 316 fromthe first arm end 316 a to the second arm end 316 b, as illustrated inFIG. 7. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the first flange 318 is adjacent tothe gap 314. Generally, the first flange 318 extends outwardly from thefirst arm 316 along an axis, which is transverse to the longitudinalaxis L, and in one example, is substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis L. The first flange 318 is generally semi-circular,and defines the locking tab 310′. The locking tab 310′ extends outwardlyfrom the first flange 318 so as to extend beyond a perimeter of the body298 of the connector 270. Generally, the at least one locking tab 310′is defined on a perimeter of the first flange 318 so as to be definedbetween the first arm end 316 a and the second arm end 316 b. Statedanother way, the at least one locking tab 310′ is defined on the firstflange 318 so as to be positioned between a first end of the firstflange 318, with the first end of the first flange 318 coupled to thefirst arm end 316 a, and a second end of the first flange 318, with thesecond end of the first flange 318 coupled to the second arm end 316 b.

With reference to FIG. 6, the locking tab 310′ has a planar surface 310a and an arcuate surface 310 b. The planar surface 310 a cooperates withone of the plurality of planar wall surfaces 284 a of a respective oneof the locks 284 to prevent the further rotation of the connector 270relative to the housing 220. The arcuate surface 310 b cooperates withthe other of the plurality of planar wall surfaces 284 a of therespective one of the locks 284 to assist in guiding the locking tab310′ out of engagement with the respective one of the locks 284 when theconnector 270 is moved from the first, locked position to the second,unlocked position, as will be discussed further herein.

The second wing 308 includes a second arm 320 and a second flange 322.The second arm 320 is coupled to the second end 304 b, and extendsupwardly from the second flange 322 so as to be adjacent to the topsurface 304 c of the main branch 304. The second arm 320 issubstantially arcuate, and includes a third arm end 320 a and a fourtharm end 320 b. The third arm end 320 a is coupled to the second end 304b at a living hinge. The fourth arm end 320 b extends from the third armend 320 a, in a direction toward the first end 304 a of the main branch304. Generally, the fourth arm end 320 b does not extend to the firstend 304 a, but rather, extends for a length that is different than, andfor example, less than, the length L2 of the main branch 304. The secondflange 322 is coupled to the second arm 320 and extends along the secondarm 320 from the third arm end 320 a to the fourth arm end 320 b. Asillustrated in FIG. 4, the second flange 322 is adjacent to the gap 314.Generally, the second flange 322 extends outwardly from the second arm320 along an axis, which is transverse to the longitudinal axis L, andin one example, is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axisL. The second flange 322 is generally semi-circular, and defines thelocking tab 310″. The locking tab 310″ extends outwardly from the secondflange 322 so as to extend beyond a perimeter of the body 298 of theconnector 270. Generally, the at least one locking tab 310″ is definedon a perimeter of the second flange 322 so as to be defined between thethird arm end 320 a and the fourth arm end 320 b. Stated another way,the at least one locking tab 310″ is defined on the second flange 322 soas to be positioned between a first end of the second flange 322, withthe first end of the second flange 322 coupled to the third arm end 320a, and a second end of the second flange 322, with the second end of thesecond flange 322 coupled to the fourth arm end 320 b.

With reference to FIG. 6, the locking tab 310″ has the planar surface310 a and the arcuate surface 310 b. The planar surface 310 a cooperateswith one of the plurality of planar wall surfaces 284 a of therespective one of the locks 284 to prevent the further rotation of theconnector 270 relative to the housing 220. The arcuate surface 310 bcooperates with the other of the plurality of planar wall surfaces 284 aof the respective one of the locks 284 to assist in guiding the lockingtab 310″ out of engagement with the respective one of the locks 284 whenthe connector 270 is moved from the first, locked position to thesecond, unlocked position.

With reference to FIG. 4, the coupling portion 302 extends along thelongitudinal axis L, and is substantially cylindrical. The couplingportion 302 includes the threads 276, which are positioned about acircumference of the coupling portion 302. The coupling portion 302 hasa first end 302 a coupled to the main branch 304, and an opposite,second end 302 b. The first end 302 a is generally circumferentiallyclosed, to prevent fluids from flowing into and/or out of the housing220. The second end 302 b is generally circumferentially open, to enablethe coupling portion 302 to be received about the proximal barrel end266 of the fluid reservoir 254 (FIG. 3). With reference to FIG. 7, thecoupling portion 302 can also define one or more recesses 324 about aperimeter or circumference of the coupling portion 302. The one or morerecesses 324 cooperate with one or more tabs on the fluid reservoir 254to couple the fluid reservoir 254 to the coupling portion 302. In thisexample, the fluid reservoir 254 is coupled to the coupling portion 302by a bayonet style connection (i.e. push in and twist the connector 270to couple the fluid reservoir 254 to the connector 270), however, anysuitable technique can be employed to couple the fluid reservoir 254 tothe connector 270.

With reference to FIG. 3, with the housing 220 assembled with the powersupply 224, the control module 226 and the drive system 228, the fluidreservoir system 230 can be coupled to the housing 220. In one example,a full fluid reservoir 254 is coupled to the set connector assembly 214.With the needle 272 and the tube 210 coupled to the connector 270, theaxial insertion of the full fluid reservoir 254 into the connector 270causes the needle 272 to pierce the septum 268, thereby defining a fluidflow path for the fluid F out of the fluid reservoir 254. The full fluidreservoir 254 is rotated relative to the connector 270, to couple thefull fluid reservoir 254 to the coupling portion 302. With the fluidreservoir 254 coupled to the set connector assembly 214, the fluidreservoir 254 is inserted into the housing 220 such that the stopper 262is adjacent to the projection 250 of the slide 238. The set connectorassembly 214 is then coupled to the housing 220. In one example, withreference to FIG. 4, the coupling portion 302 is inserted into thehousing 220 such that the threads 276 engage the threads 274 a. Theconnector 270 is rotated, via the graspable portion 300, until thelocking tabs 310′, 310″ engage with the respective locks 284. Theengagement of the locking tabs 310′, 310″ with the respective locks 284can provide tactile and audible feedback to the user that the connector270 is locked to the housing 220.

With the locking tabs 310′, 310″ engaged with the respective locks 284,the connector 270, and thus, the set connector assembly 214, is securedor locked to the housing 220. With the set connector assembly 214coupled to the fluid reservoir 254, one or more control signals from thecontrol module 226 can drive the motor 232, thereby rotating the drivescrew 236, which results in the linear translation of the slide 238. Theadvancement of the slide 238 into the fluid reservoir 254 moves thestopper 262, causing the fluid F to flow from the fluid reservoir 254through the fluid flow path defined by the set connector assembly 214.

With reference to FIG. 8, the connector 270 is shown in the first,locked position, secured or locked to the housing 220. Thus, duringmovement of the user, the set connector assembly 214 is prevented orinhibited from inadvertently moving or rotating, thereby ensuring anuninterrupted fluid flow path from the fluid reservoir 254 through thetube 210. Stated another way, the connector 270 reduces and eliminatesthe need for an activity guard that locks over a portion of the housing220 containing the fluid reservoir 254. In this regard, the locking tabs310′, 310″ securely couple and lock the fluid reservoir 254 to andwithin the housing 220, thereby reducing and substantially eliminatingthe need for an additional guard against the inadvertent removal of thefluid reservoir 254.

In order to remove the set connector assembly 214, for example, toreplace an empty fluid reservoir 254, with reference to FIG. 6, a forceF1 can be applied to the first wing 306 and the second wing 308 to movethe connector 270 from the first, locked position to the second,unlocked position. The application of the force F1 causes the first wing306 and the second wing 308 to deflect inward, toward the main branch304. The inward deflection of the first wing 306 and the second wing 308causes the respective locking tab 310′, 310″ to move inward, therebyremoving the locking tabs 310′, 310″ from the locks 284. With thelocking tabs 310′, 310″ removed from the locks 284, the connector 270can be rotated, for example, in a counterclockwise direction, andremoved from the housing 220 or moved to the second, unlocked position.

With reference to FIG. 9, a connector 400 for use with a set connectorassembly 402 is shown. The set connector assembly 402 can be used withthe infusion set component 204 and the fluid infusion device 202 of FIG.2, and can be used as an alternative to the set connector assembly 214.In this example, the fluid infusion device 202 includes a retaining ring404 instead of the retaining ring 258 and a lock 406. Stated anotherway, the set connector assembly 402 necessitates the lock 406 to secureor lock the set connector assembly 402 to the housing 220 of the fluidinfusion device 202. The remainder of the fluid infusion device 202remains unchanged from that of FIGS. 1-8, and thus, only the differencesin the fluid infusion device 202 associated with the use of the setconnector assembly 402 will be discussed in detail herein. In thisexample, the retaining ring 404 is coupled to the housing 220, viaultrasonic welding, for example, to retain the sealing member 256 withinthe housing 220. Instead of including the locks 284, the retaining ring404 includes a cut-out 408. The cut-out 408 enables the movement of aportion of the set connector assembly 402 relative to the housing 220.The cut-out 408 is defined along an exterior surface of the retainingring 404 so as to be adjacent to the lock 406 when the retaining ring404 is coupled to the housing 220.

The lock 406 is coupled to and extends upwardly from a surface 220 a ofthe housing 220 so as to be adjacent to the fluid reservoir system 230.The lock 406 can be integrally formed with the housing 220, or can becoupled to the housing 220 via a suitable technique, such as ultrasonicwelding, for example. With reference to FIG. 10, the housing 220 isillustrated without the set connector assembly 402 for clarity. The lock406 includes a ramp surface 410 and a pocket 412. The ramp surface 410is defined along a first end 406 a of the lock 406, and has anincreasing slope towards the pocket 412. The increasing slope assists inthe uncoupling of the set connector assembly 402 from the housing 220.The pocket 412 is defined through the lock 406 at an end of the rampsurface 410, so as to be adjacent to a second end 406 b of the lock 406.The pocket 412 has substantially planar walls, and is substantiallyU-shaped to receive a portion of the set connector assembly 402. Whilethe housing 220 is illustrated herein as comprising a single lock 406,it will be understood that the housing 220 can include multiple locks406, if desired.

With reference to FIG. 9, the set connector assembly 402 provides afluid flow path from the fluid reservoir 254 to the user or patient. Asthe set connector assembly 402 can be similar to the set connectorassembly 214 discussed with regard to FIGS. 1-8, the same referencenumerals will be used to denote the same or similar components. In oneexample, the set connector assembly 402 includes the connector 400, thehollow instrument or needle 272 (not shown) and the tube 210. Theconnector 400 couples the needle 272 and the tube 210 to the fluidreservoir 254, and locks into place once coupled to the fluid reservoir254 to maintain the fluid flow path between the fluid reservoir 254 andthe infusion unit 212 (FIG. 2). The needle 272 defines a flow path forthe fluid F out of the fluid reservoir 254, through the connector 400and into the tube 210.

The set connector assembly 402 (with the fluid reservoir 254 coupledthereto) is coupled to the housing 220 of the fluid infusion device 202to seal and secure the fluid reservoir 254 inside the housing 220.Thereafter, actuation of the fluid infusion device 202 causes themedication fluid to be expelled from the fluid reservoir 254, throughthe infusion set component 204, and into the body of the patient via theinfusion unit 212 at the distal end of the tube 210. Accordingly, whenthe set connector assembly 402 is installed as depicted in FIG. 9, thetube 210 extends from the fluid infusion device 202 to the infusion unit212 (FIG. 2), which in turn provides a fluid pathway to the body of thepatient. For this embodiment, the set connector assembly 402 is realizedas a removable reservoir cap (or fitting) that is suitably sized andconfigured to accommodate replacement of fluid reservoirs (which aretypically disposable) as needed.

With reference to FIG. 11, the connector 400 of the set connectorassembly 402 is shown in greater detail. In FIG. 11, the connector 400is illustrated without the needle 272 and the tube 210 for clarity. Theconnector 400 is movably coupled to the housing 220 and retains thefluid reservoir 254 (FIG. 3) within the housing 220. Generally, theconnector 400 is composed of a polymeric material, such as apolycarbonate material, and comprises a one-piece monolithic component;however, the connector 400 can be composed of any suitable material andcan be assembled from multiple components. In the example of amonolithic polymeric component, the connector 400 can be formed throughinjection molding, or 3D printing, for example. The connector 400 has abody 420, which defines a graspable portion 422 and the coupling portion302. The graspable portion 422 is movable relative to the body 420 tomove the connector 400 between a first, locked position and a second,unlocked position relative to the housing 220.

The graspable portion 422 includes a hub 424, a first, locking arm 426,a second arm 428, a first wing 430 and a second wing 432. The hub 424 iscoupled to the coupling portion 302, and with reference to FIG. 12, isgenerally circumferentially closed to prevent the ingress of fluids intothe housing 220. The hub 424 defines the bore 312, which receives theneedle 272 and the tube 210 (FIG. 3). The bore 312 is generally definedalong the longitudinal axis L of the connector 270.

With reference to FIG. 13, the graspable portion 422 is generallysymmetric relative to an axis A2. The locking arm 426 is coupled to thehub 424 so as to be substantially opposite the second arm 428 on theperimeter of the hub 424. The locking arm 426 extends outwardly from thehub 424, and includes a first end 426 a and a second end 426 b.Generally, only the first end 426 a is coupled to the hub 424 to enablethe locking arm 426 to move or deflect relative to the hub 424. In oneexample, the locking arm 426 generally has an arm width W, which is lessthan an arm width W2 of the second arm 428 to provide flexibility to thelocking arm 426. With reference to FIG. 11, the locking arm 426generally extends a distance D3 beyond a perimeter of the graspableportion 422 to provide a biasing force to lock the locking arm 426 intothe lock 406 (via the compression of the locking arm 426). Similarly,the biasing force created by the locking arm 426 also resists therotation of the locking arm 426 out of the pocket 412 of the lock 406.

With reference to FIG. 12, the second end 426 b of the locking arm 426cooperates with the lock 406 to lock the connector 400, and thus, theset connector assembly 402 to the housing 220. In one example, thesecond end 426 b includes a locking tab 434 and a graspable surface 436.The locking tab 434 extends from the second end 426 b to be receivedwith in the pocket 412 defined by the lock 406. The locking tab 434 isgenerally rectangular, with a plurality of planar sides, which cooperatewith the planar walls of the pocket 412 to prevent or inhibit therotation of the connector 400 relative to the housing 220, therebylocking the set connector assembly 402 to the housing 220. A relief 434a may be defined adjacent to the locking tab 434 to facilitate thedisengagement of the locking tab 434 with the pocket 412 by providingincreased flexibility through the removal of material near the lockingtab 434. The graspable surface 436 provides a roughened surface to aid auser in the movement of the connector 400 between the first, lockedposition and the second, unlocked position. In one example, thegraspable surface 436 includes a plurality of striations; however, thegraspable surface 436 can have any desired shape or texture.

With reference to FIG. 13, the second arm 428 is spaced apart from thelocking arm 426 about the perimeter of the hub 424. The second arm 428includes a third end 428 a and a fourth end 428 b. The third end 428 acouples the second arm 428 to the hub 424. Generally, the second arm 428is only coupled to the hub 424 via the third end 428 a. The fourth end428 b defines a second graspable surface 438. The second graspablesurface 438 comprises a plurality of striations, similar to thegraspable surface 436. The graspable surface 436 and the secondgraspable surface 438 cooperate to define a pinch point or a point forthe location of a force F2 by a user to move the connector 400 betweenthe first, locked position and the second, unlocked position.

The first wing 430 is defined between the locking arm 426 and the secondarm 428. In one example, the first wing 430 is defined about a portionof the perimeter of the connector 400 so as to be symmetrical with thesecond wing 432 relative to the axis A2. The first wing 430 includes afirst wing end 430 a and a second wing end 430 b. The first wing end 430a is coupled to the hub 424, adjacent to the first end 426 a and thethird end 428 a. In one example, a recess 440 is defined through aportion of the first wing 430 at or near the first wing end 430 a. Therecess 440 reduces a mass of the connector 400 and aids in themanufacturing of the connector 400. It should be noted that the recess440 may be optional.

The first wing 430 also includes an undulating surface 442 at the secondwing end 430 b. The undulating surface 442 provides a graspable surfaceto aid the user in rotating the connector 400. It should be noted thatthe use of an undulating surface is merely exemplary, as the first wing430 may have any suitable graspable surface, or may be smooth.

The second wing 432 is defined between the locking arm 426 and thesecond arm 428. The second wing 432 includes a third wing end 432 a anda fourth wing end 432 b. The first wing end 430 a is coupled to the hub424, adjacent to the first end 426 a and the third end 428 a. The secondwing 432 includes the recess 440 defined through a portion of the secondwing 432 at or near the third wing end 432 a. The second wing 432 alsoincludes the undulating surface 442 at the second wing end 430 b.

With the housing 220 assembled, the set connector assembly 402, with theneedle 272 and the tube 210 (FIG. 3) coupled to the connector 400, isthen coupled to a full fluid reservoir 254. With the needle 272 and thetube 210 coupled to the connector 400, the axial insertion of the fullfluid reservoir 254 into the connector 400 causes the needle 272 topierce the septum 268, thereby defining a fluid flow path for the fluidF out of the fluid reservoir 254. The full fluid reservoir 254 isrotated relative to the connector 400 to couple the full fluid reservoir254 to the coupling portion 302 (FIG. 3). The connector 400 and thefluid reservoir 254 are then inserted into the housing 220 such that thestopper 262 is adjacent to the projection 250 of the slide 238 (FIG. 3).In one example, with reference to FIG. 11, the coupling portion 302 isinserted into the housing 220 such that the threads 276 engage thethreads 274 a (FIG. 3). The connector 400 is rotated, via the undulatingsurface 442, until the locking tab 434 engages the pocket 412 of thelock 406. The engagement of the locking tab 434 with the pocket 412 ofthe lock 406 can provide tactile and audible feedback to the user thatthe connector 400 is locked to the housing 220. During the rotation ofthe connector 400, the locking tab 434 is guided along the cut-out 408until the locking tab 434 snaps into place with the pocket 412 of thelock 406.

With the locking tab 434 engaged with the pocket 412, the connector 400,and thus, the set connector assembly 402, is secured or locked to thehousing 220. With the set connector assembly 402 coupled to the fluidreservoir 254, one or more control signals from the control module 226can drive the motor 232, thereby rotating the drive screw 236, whichresults in the linear translation of the slide 238 (FIG. 3). Theadvancement of the slide 238 into the fluid reservoir 254 moves thestopper 262, causing the fluid F to flow from the fluid reservoir 254through the fluid flow path defined by the set connector assembly 402.

With reference to FIG. 13, the connector 400 is shown in the first,locked position, secured or locked to the housing 220. Thus, duringmovement of the user, the set connector assembly 402 is prevented orinhibited from inadvertently moving or rotating, thereby ensuring anuninterrupted fluid flow path from the fluid reservoir 254 through thetube 210.

In order to remove the set connector assembly 402, for example, toreplace an empty fluid reservoir 254, with reference to FIG. 13, theforce F2 can be applied to the locking arm 426 and the second arm 428,while rotating the graspable portion 422 to move the locking tab 434 outof the pocket 412 of the lock 406. Once the locking tab 434 is releasedfrom the pocket 412, the locking tab 434 follows the ramp surface 414and the connector 400 is rotated, via the undulating surface 442, toremove the connector 400 from the housing 220 or move the connector 400to the second, unlocked position.

With reference to FIG. 14, a connector 500 for use with a set connectorassembly 502 is shown. The set connector assembly 502 can be used withthe infusion set component 204 and the fluid infusion device 202 of FIG.2, and can be used as an alternative to the set connector assembly 214.In this example, the fluid infusion device 202 includes a retaining ring504 instead of the retaining ring 258. Stated another way, the setconnector assembly 502 necessitates the retaining ring 504 to secure orlock the set connector assembly 502 to the housing 220 of the fluidinfusion device 202. The remainder of the fluid infusion device 202remains unchanged from that of FIGS. 1-8, and thus, only the differencesin the fluid infusion device 202 associated with the use of the setconnector assembly 502 will be discussed in detail herein. In thisexample, the retaining ring 504 is coupled to the housing 220, viaultrasonic welding, for example, to retain the sealing member 256 withinthe housing 220. The retaining ring 504 includes a pair of pockets 506and a lock 508. The pair of pockets 506 receives a portion of theconnector 500 to assist in coupling the connector 500 to the housing220. The pockets 506 are generally defined so as to be located oppositeof each other about the circumference of the retaining ring 504. Thelock 508 receives a different portion of the connector 500 to lock orsecure the connector 500, and thus, the set connector assembly 502, tothe housing 220.

The lock 508 is defined in the retaining ring 504. With reference toFIG. 15, the connector 500 is illustrated in a second, unlocked positionwithout the tube 210 for clarity. The lock 508 includes a ramp surface508 a, a wall 508 b and a pocket 508 c. The ramp surface 508 a isdefined along a first end of the lock 508, and has a decreasing slopetowards the wall 508 b. The decreasing slope assists in coupling the setconnector assembly 502 to the housing 220. The wall 508 b issubstantially opposite the ramp surface 508 a, and prevents or inhibitsthe further rotation of the connector 500 relative to the housing 220.The pocket 508 c is defined at an end of the ramp surface 508 a, betweenthe ramp surface 508 a and the wall 508 b. The pocket 508 c hassubstantially planar walls, and the pocket 508 c is substantiallyU-shaped to receive a portion of the set connector assembly 502. Whilethe retaining ring 504 is illustrated herein as comprising the lock 508,it will be understood that the housing 220 can include the lock 508, ifdesired.

The set connector assembly 502 provides a fluid flow path from the fluidreservoir 254 to the user or patient. As the set connector assembly 502can be similar to the set connector assembly 402 discussed with regardto FIGS. 9-13, the same reference numerals will be used to denote thesame or similar components. In one example, the set connector assembly502 includes the connector 500, the hollow instrument or needle 272 (notshown) and the tube 210. The connector 500 couples the needle 272 andthe tube 210 to the fluid reservoir 254, and locks into place oncecoupled to the fluid reservoir 254 to maintain the fluid flow pathbetween the fluid reservoir 254 and the infusion unit 212 (FIG. 2). Theneedle 272 defines a flow path for the fluid F out of the fluidreservoir 254, through the connector 500 and into the tube 210.

The set connector assembly 502 (with the fluid reservoir 254 coupledthereto) is coupled to the housing 220 of the fluid infusion device 202to seal and secure the fluid reservoir 254 inside the housing 220.Thereafter, actuation of the fluid infusion device 202 causes themedication fluid to be expelled from the fluid reservoir 254, throughthe infusion set component 204, and into the body of the patient via theinfusion unit 212 at the distal end of the tube 210. Accordingly, whenthe set connector assembly 502 is installed as depicted in FIG. 14, thetube 210 extends from the fluid infusion device 202 to the infusion unit212 (FIG. 2), which in turn provides a fluid pathway to the body of thepatient. For this embodiment, the set connector assembly 502 is realizedas a removable reservoir cap (or fitting) that is suitably sized andconfigured to accommodate replacement of fluid reservoirs (which aretypically disposable) as needed.

The connector 500 is movably coupled to the housing 220 and retains thefluid reservoir 254 (not shown) within the housing 220. Generally, theconnector 500 is composed of a polymeric material, such as apolycarbonate material, and comprises a one-piece monolithic component;however, the connector 500 can be composed of any suitable material andcan be assembled from multiple components. In the example of amonolithic polymeric component, the connector 500 can be formed throughinjection molding, or 3D printing, for example. The connector 500 has abody 510, which defines a graspable portion 512 and a coupling portion514. The graspable portion 512 is movable relative to the body 510 tomove the connector 500 between a first, locked position and a second,unlocked position relative to the housing 220.

The graspable portion 512 includes a hub 516, a first, locking arm 518and a second arm 520. The hub 516 is coupled to the coupling portion514. The hub 516 defines the bore 312, which receives the needle 272(FIG. 3) and the tube 210. The bore 312 is generally defined along thelongitudinal axis L of the connector 500.

With reference to FIG. 16, the graspable portion 512 is generallysymmetric relative to an axis A3. The locking arm 518 is coupled to thehub 516 so as to be substantially opposite the second arm 520. Thelocking arm 518 extends outwardly from the hub 516, and includes a firstend 518 a and a second end 518 b. Generally, only the first end 518 a iscoupled to the hub 516 to enable the second end 518 b of the locking arm518 to move or deflect relative to the hub 516. The locking arm 518generally extends a distance D4 beyond a perimeter of the connector 500to provide a biasing force (via the compression of the locking arm 518)to lock the locking arm 518 into the lock 508. Similarly, the biasingforce created by the locking arm 518 also resists the rotation of thelocking arm 518 out of the pocket 508 c of the lock 508.

With reference to FIG. 14, the second end 518 b of the locking arm 518cooperates with the lock 508 to lock the connector 500, and thus, theset connector assembly 502 to the housing 220. In one example, thesecond end 518 b includes a locking tab 524 and the graspable surface436. The locking tab 524 extends from the second end 518 b to bereceived with in the pocket 412 defined by the lock 406. The locking tab524 is generally rectangular, with a plurality of planar sides, whichcooperate with the planar walls of the pocket 508 c to prevent orinhibit the rotation of the connector 500 relative to the housing 220,thereby locking the set connector assembly 502 to the housing 220. Arelief 524 a may be defined adjacent to the locking tab 524 tofacilitate the disengagement of the locking tab 524 with the pocket 508c by providing increased flexibility through the removal of materialnear the locking tab 524. The graspable surface 436 provides a roughenedsurface to aid a user in the movement of the connector 500 between thefirst, locked position and the second, unlocked position.

The second arm 520 is spaced apart from the locking arm 518 about theperimeter of the hub 516. The second arm 520 includes a third end 520 aand a fourth end 520 b. The third end 520 a couples the second arm 520to the hub 516. The second arm 520 cooperates with the locking arm 518to provide a graspable surface for the user to move the connector 500between the first, locked position and the second, unlocked position.

The coupling portion 514 extends along the longitudinal axis L, and issubstantially cylindrical. As the coupling portion 514 is substantiallythe same as the coupling portion 302, the coupling portion 514 will notbe discussed in great detail herein. Briefly, however, the couplingportion 514 includes the threads 276 (not shown), which are positionedabout a circumference of the coupling portion 514. The coupling portion514 has a first end 514 a coupled to the graspable portion 512, and anopposite, second end (not shown). The first end 514 a is generallycircumferentially closed, to prevent fluids from flowing into and/or outof the housing 220. The second end is generally circumferentially open,to enable the coupling portion 514 to be received about the proximalbarrel end 266 of the fluid reservoir 254 (FIG. 3). The coupling portion514 can also define the one or more recesses 324 about a perimeter orcircumference of the coupling portion 514.

In one example, the coupling portion 514 also includes a pair of arms530. The pair of arms 530 are substantially opposite each other about aperimeter of the coupling portion 514. The arms 530 are generallyintegrally formed with the coupling portion 514, and include a livinghinge that biases the arms 530 in a direction away from the couplingportion 514. Stated another way, with reference to FIG. 16, each of thearms 530 are defined so as to be biased in a direction B. The engagementof the coupling portion 514 with the housing 220 causes the compressionof the arms 530 (as shown in FIG. 15), until the arms 530 expand andengage a respective one of the pair of pockets 506 (FIG. 16). Thus, inthis example, the arms 530 cooperate with the locking arm 518 to secureor lock the connector 500 to the housing 220. It should be noted,however, that the arms 530 and the pair of pockets 506 are optional, asthe locking arm 518 can be used solely to secure or lock the connector500 to the housing 220.

With the housing 220 assembled, a full fluid reservoir 254 is coupled tothe set connector assembly 502. With the needle 272 and the tube 210(FIG. 3) coupled to the connector 500, the fluid reservoir 254 iscoupled to the coupling portion 514 by a bayonet style connection (i.e.push in and twist the connector 500 to couple the fluid reservoir 254 tothe connector 500), however, any suitable technique can be employed tocouple the fluid reservoir 254 to the connector 500. Generally, theaxial insertion of the full fluid reservoir 254 into the connector 500causes the needle 272 to pierce the septum 268, thereby defining a fluidflow path for the fluid F out of the fluid reservoir 254 (FIG. 3). Thefull fluid reservoir 254 is rotated relative to the connector 500 tocouple the full fluid reservoir 254 to the coupling portion 514. Withthe fluid reservoir 254 coupled to the set connector assembly 502, thefluid reservoir 254 is inserted into the housing 220 such that thestopper 262 is adjacent to the projection 250 of the slide 238 (FIG. 3).The set connector assembly 502 is then coupled to the housing 220. Inone example, the coupling portion 514 is inserted into the housing 220such that the threads 276 engage the threads 274 a (FIG. 3). Theconnector 500 is rotated, via the graspable portion 512, therebycompressing the arms 530, as shown in FIG. 15. The connector 500 isrotated until the locking tab 524 engages the pocket 508 c of the lock508 and the arms 530 engage the pair of pockets 506. The engagement ofthe locking tab 524 with the pocket 508 c of the lock 508 and theengagement of the arms 530 with the pair of pockets 506 can providetactile and audible feedback to the user that the connector 500 islocked to the housing 220.

With the locking tab 524 engaged with the pocket 508 c, the connector500, and thus, the set connector assembly 502, is secured or locked tothe housing 220. With the set connector assembly 502 coupled to thefluid reservoir 254, one or more control signals from the control module226 can drive the motor 232, thereby rotating the drive screw 236, whichresults in the linear translation of the slide 238. The advancement ofthe slide 238 into the fluid reservoir 254 moves the stopper 262,causing the fluid F to flow from the fluid reservoir 254 through thefluid flow path defined by the set connector assembly 502.

With reference to FIG. 15, the connector 500 is shown in the first,locked position, secured or locked to the housing 220. Thus, duringmovement of the user, the set connector assembly 502 is prevented orinhibited from inadvertently moving or rotating, thereby ensuring anuninterrupted fluid flow path from the fluid reservoir 254 through thetube 210.

In order to remove the set connector assembly 502, for example, toreplace an empty fluid reservoir 254, with reference to FIG. 16, a forceF3 can be applied to the locking arm 518, while rotating the graspableportion 512 to move the locking tab 524 out of the pocket 508 c of thelock 508 and the arms 530 out of engagement with the pair of pockets506. Once the locking tab 524 is released from the pocket 508 c, theconnector 500 can be rotated, via the graspable portion 512, to removethe connector 500 from the housing 220 or move the connector 500 to thesecond, unlocked position.

With reference to FIG. 17, a connector 600 for use with a set connectorassembly 602 is shown. The set connector assembly 602 can be used withthe infusion set component 204 and the fluid infusion device 202 of FIG.2, and can be used as an alternative to the set connector assembly 214.In this example, the fluid infusion device 202 includes a retaining ring604 which is similar to the retaining ring 258. Stated another way, theset connector assembly 602 necessitates the retaining ring 604 to secureor lock the set connector assembly 602 to the housing 220 of the fluidinfusion device 202. The remainder of the fluid infusion device 202remains unchanged from that of FIGS. 1-8, and thus, only the differencesin the fluid infusion device 202 associated with the use of the setconnector assembly 602 will be discussed in detail herein. In thisexample, the retaining ring 604 is coupled to the housing 220, viaultrasonic welding, for example, to retain the sealing member 256 withinthe housing 220 (FIG. 3).

The retaining ring 604 cooperates with the set connector assembly 602 toaid in coupling the connector 600 to the fluid reservoir 254, as will bediscussed in greater detail herein. The retaining ring 604 is coupled toa portion of the housing 220 and substantially surrounds the openingdefined in the housing 220 that receives the fluid reservoir 254. Theretaining ring 604 is coupled to the housing 220 about the opening suchthat the sealing member 256 (FIG. 3) is disposed between the housing 220and the retaining ring 604. In one example, the retaining ring 604 issubstantially annular; however, the retaining ring 604 can have anysuitable shape that corresponds to the shape of the portion of thehousing 220 that receives the fluid reservoir 254.

The retaining ring 604 includes one or more locks 606, which cooperatewith the set connector assembly 602 to lock the set connector assembly602 to the housing 220. In this example, with reference to FIG. 18, theretaining ring 604 comprises two locks 606 that are positionedsubstantially opposite each other about a circumference of the retainingring 604. It should be noted, however, that any number of locks 606 canbe employed and the locks 606 can be positioned at any desired locationabout the circumference of the retaining ring 604. In one example, thelocks 606 are substantially triangular pockets, and are sized to receivea portion of the connector 600. In this example, the locks 606 include aplurality of planar wall surfaces 606 a, 606 b and 606 c, whichcooperate to define the locks 606. Generally, the locks 606 includethree planar wall surfaces 606 a, 606 b, 606 c, which are connectedtogether to define the substantially triangular shape of the locks 606.It should be noted, however, that the locks 606 can have any desiredshape, and moreover, the locks 606 need not have the same shape.Further, the locks 606 can include one or more ramp surfaces, ifdesired. In this example, the planar wall surfaces 606 a act as a stopfor the connector 600, while the planar wall surface 606 c providesclearance for the connector 600 within the locks 606. Generally, theplanar wall surface 606 c has a length L6 that extends for a distancethat is different than, and generally less than, a length L7 of theplanar wall surface 606 a to facilitate the removal of the connector 600from the locks 606.

With reference to FIG. 19, the connector 600 of the set connectorassembly 602 is shown in greater detail. In FIG. 19, the connector 600is illustrated without the needle 272 and the tube 210 for clarity. Theconnector 600 is removably coupled to the housing 220 and retains thefluid reservoir 254 (FIG. 3) within the housing 220. Generally, theconnector 600 is composed of a polymeric material, such as apolycarbonate material, and comprises a one-piece monolithic component;however, the connector 600 can be composed of any suitable material andcan be assembled from multiple components. In the example of amonolithic polymeric component, the connector 600 can be formed throughinjection molding, or 3D printing, for example. The connector 600 has abody 610, which defines a graspable portion 612 and the coupling portion302. The body 610 extends along the longitudinal axis L. The graspableportion 612 is movable relative to the body 610 to move the connector600 between a first, locked position and a second, unlocked positionrelative to the housing 220.

The graspable portion 612 includes the main branch 304, a first wing 614and a second wing 616. The main branch 304 extends from the couplingportion 302 and couples the graspable portion 612 to the couplingportion 302. One or more of the first wing 614 and the second wing 616define a locking tab 618. In this example, the first wing 614 defines alocking tab 618′, and the second wing 616 defines a locking tab 618″.The locking tabs 618′, 618″ are substantially similar on both the firstwing 614 and the second wing 616; however, it should be understood thatthe locking tabs 618′, 618″ need not be substantially identical. Thegraspable portion 612 is generally mirror symmetric about an axis A4.

The main branch 304 generally extends away from the coupling portion 302to define the gap 314 between the first wing 614 and the second wing616. The gap 314 enables the first wing 614 and the second wing 616 tomove relative to the main branch 304, thereby engaging or disengagingthe locking tabs 618′, 618″, as will be discussed in greater detailherein. Stated another way, the main branch 304 couples the graspableportion 612 to the coupling portion 302 such that the gap 314 is definedbetween the first wing 614, the second wing 616 and the coupling portion302. In other words, the first wing 614 and the second wing 616 are notcoupled to the coupling portion 302, but rather, the first wing 614 andthe second wing 616 are movable relative to the coupling portion 302 andare each coupled solely to the main branch 304.

The main branch 304 includes the first end 304 a and the opposite,second end 304 b. The first wing 614 is coupled to the first end 304 a,and the second wing 616 is coupled to the second end 304 b. Generally,the first wing 614 is coupled to the first end 304 a such that the firstwing 614 extends from the first end 304 a in a first direction towardsthe second end 304 b of the main branch 304, and the second wing 616 iscoupled to the second end 304 b such that the second wing 616 extendsfrom the second end 304 b in a second direction towards the first end304 a. The second direction is different than the first direction, andin this example, is substantially opposite the first direction. Thefirst wing 614 includes a first arm 620 and a first flange 622. Thefirst arm 620 is coupled to the first end 304 a, and extends upwardlyfrom the first flange 622 so as to be adjacent to the top surface 304 cof the main branch 304. The first arm 620 is substantially arcuate, andincludes a first arm end 620 a and a second arm end 620 b. The first armend 620 a is coupled to the first end 304 a at a living hinge. Thesecond arm end 620 b extends from the first arm end 620 a, in adirection toward the second end 304 b of the main branch 304. Generally,the second arm end 620 b does not extend to the second end 304 b, butrather, extends for a length that is different than, and for example,less than, the length L2 of the main branch 304. The first flange 622 iscoupled to the first arm 620 and extends along the first arm 620 fromthe first arm end 620 a to the second arm end 620 b, as illustrated inFIG. 18. As shown in FIG. 19, the first flange 622 is adjacent to thegap 314. Generally, the first flange 622 extends outwardly from thefirst arm 620 along an axis, which is transverse to the longitudinalaxis L, and in one example, is substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis L. The first flange 622 is generally semi-circular,and defines the locking tab 618′.

In one example, with reference to FIG. 18, the first flange 622 alsodefines an area 623 on a surface 622 a of the first flange 622. The area623 generally receives a marking 624. The marking 624 comprises one ormore letters, symbols or graphical icons, as illustrated in FIG. 18. Invarious examples, the marking 624 is a logo or trademark, and in oneexample, the marking 624 on the area 623 comprises the text: “MEDTRONIC”®. It should be noted, however, that the area 623 can also receive agraphical symbol and text, such as a letter, word or phrase with agraphical icon. Generally, the marking 624 is embossed onto the area623, however, the marking 624 can be integrally formed with theformation of the connector 600 (i.e. printed or molded), applied to thearea 623 via a label adhered to the area 623 with an adhesive, etc. Inthis example, the marking 624 is defined on at least a portion, if notan entirety, of a surface S1 of the locking tab 618′. Thus, at least aportion of the surface 622 a of the first flange 622, including thelocking tab 618′, is labeled with the marking 624. It should be notedthat an entirety of the surface 622 a and the surface S1 of the lockingtab 618′ can include the marking 624, if desired.

The locking tab 618′ extends outwardly from the first flange 622 so asto extend beyond a perimeter of the body 610 of the connector 600. Thelocking tab 618′ is defined on the first flange 622 so as to be adjacentto the second arm end 620 b. Stated another way, the locking tab 618′ isdefined at a second end of the first flange 622, with the second end ofthe first flange 622 coupled to the second arm end 620 b. With referenceto FIG. 19, the locking tab 618′ has a first planar surface 625, asecond planar surface 626 and a third planar surface 628. The planarsurfaces 625, 626, 628 cooperate to define a substantially triangularshape for the locking tab 618′. The first planar surface 625 has alength L8, which is different than, and generally greater than a lengthL9 of the third planar surface 628. The first planar surface 625cooperates with the planar wall surfaces 606 a of a respective one ofthe locks 606 to prevent the further rotation of the connector 600relative to the housing 220. The third planar surface 628 cooperateswith the planar wall surfaces 606 c of the respective one of the locks606 to assist in guiding the locking tab 618′ out of engagement with therespective one of the locks 606 when the connector 600 is moved from thefirst, locked position to the second, unlocked position, as will bediscussed further herein.

The second wing 616 includes a second arm 630 and a second flange 632.The second arm 630 is coupled to the second end 304 b, and extendsupwardly from the second flange 632 so as to be adjacent to the topsurface 304 c of the main branch 304. The second arm 630 issubstantially arcuate, and includes a third arm end 630 a and a fourtharm end 630 b. The third arm end 630 a is coupled to the second end 304b at a living hinge. The fourth arm end 630 b extends from the third armend 630 a, in a direction toward the first end 304 a of the main branch304. Generally, the fourth arm end 630 b does not extend to the firstend 304 a, but rather, extends for a length that is different than, andfor example, less than, the length L2 of the main branch 304. The secondflange 632 is coupled to the second arm 630 and extends along the secondarm 630 from the third arm end 630 a to the fourth arm end 630 b. Asillustrated in FIG. 19, the second flange 632 is adjacent to the gap314. Generally, the second flange 632 extends outwardly from the secondarm 630 along an axis, which is transverse to the longitudinal axis L,and in one example, is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis L. The second flange 632 is generally semi-circular, and definesthe locking tab 618″.

In one example, with reference to FIG. 18, the second flange 632 definesa second area 634 on a surface 632 a of the second flange 632. Thesecond area 634 generally receives a second marking 636. The marking 634comprises one or more letters, symbols or graphical icons, asillustrated in FIG. 18. In various examples, the second marking 636 is alogo or trademark, and in one example, the second marking 636 on thesecond area 634 comprises the text: “MEDTRONIC” ®. It should be noted,however, that the second area 634 can also receive a graphical symboland text, such as a letter, word or phrase with a graphical icon.Generally, the second marking 636 is embossed onto the second area 634,however, the second marking 636 can be integrally formed with theformation of the connector 600 (i.e. printed or molded), applied to thesecond area 634 via a label adhered to the second area 634 with anadhesive, etc. In this example, the second marking 636 is defined on atleast a portion, if not an entirety, of a surface S2 of the locking tab618″. Thus, at least a portion of the surface 632 a of the second flange632, including the locking tab 618″, is labeled with the second marking636. It should be noted that an entirety of the surface 632 a and thesurface S2 of the locking tab 618″ can include the second marking 636,if desired.

It should be noted that while the marking 624 and the second marking 636are illustrated herein as comprising the same text, the marking 624 andthe second marking 636 need not include the same letters and/or symbols.Moreover, one or both of the marking 624 and the second marking 636 canalso include a color that is different than a color of the body 610, toenable the marking 624 and the second marking 636 to visually stand outor be visually distinct from the body 610 of the connector 600. In thisexample, the marking 624 and/or the second marking 636 can be painted.Alternatively, the marking 624 and/or the second marking 636 can have adifferent texture than the body 610 to provide a tactile indicator ofthe marking 624 and/or the second marking 636. Further, although themarking 624 and the second marking 636 are illustrated herein ascomprising an embossing having recesses or depressions in the area 623and second area 634, one or both of the marking 624 and the secondmarking 636 can be raised or extend upwardly from the area 623 and thesecond area 634. In addition, one or more of the locking tabs 618′, 618″can have a shape that corresponds to the marking 624 and/or the secondmarking 636, and thus, the triangular shape of the locking tabs 618′,618″ that correspond to a portion of the “M” of the marking 624 and/orthe second marking 636 is merely an example.

With reference to FIG. 19, the locking tab 618″ extends outwardly fromthe second flange 632 so as to extend beyond a perimeter of the body 610of the connector 600. The locking tab 618″ is defined on the secondflange 632 so as to be adjacent to the fourth arm end 630 b. Statedanother way, the locking tab 618″ is defined at a second end of thesecond flange 632, with the second end of the second flange 632 coupledto the fourth arm end 630 b. The locking tab 618″ has the first planarsurface 625, the second planar surface 626 and the third planar surface628. The first planar surface 625 cooperates with the planar wallsurfaces 606 a of a respective one of the locks 606 to prevent thefurther rotation of the connector 600 relative to the housing 220. Thethird planar surface 628 cooperates with the planar wall surfaces 606 cof the respective one of the locks 606 to assist in guiding the lockingtab 618″ out of engagement with the respective one of the locks 606 whenthe connector 600 is moved from the first, locked position to thesecond, unlocked position, as will be discussed further herein.

With the housing 220 assembled, a full fluid reservoir 254 (FIG. 3) iscoupled to the set connector assembly 602. With the needle 272 and thetube 210 coupled to the connector 600, the fluid reservoir 254 iscoupled to the coupling portion 302 by a bayonet style connection (i.e.push in and twist the connector 600 to couple the fluid reservoir 254 tothe connector 600), however, any suitable technique can be employed tocouple the fluid reservoir 254 to the connector 600. Generally, with theneedle 272 and the tube 210 coupled to the connector 600, the axialinsertion of the full fluid reservoir 254 into the connector 600 causesthe needle 272 to pierce the septum 268, thereby defining a fluid flowpath for the fluid F out of the fluid reservoir 254 (FIG. 3). The fullfluid reservoir 254 is then rotated relative to the connector 600 tocouple the full fluid reservoir 254 to the coupling portion 302. Withthe fluid reservoir 254 coupled to the set connector assembly 602, thefluid reservoir 254 is inserted into the housing 220 such that thestopper 262 is adjacent to the projection 250 of the slide 238 (FIG. 3).In one example, the coupling portion 302 is inserted into the housing220 such that the threads 276 engage the threads 274 a (FIG. 3). Theconnector 600 is rotated, via the graspable portion 612, until thelocking tabs 618′, 618″ engage with the respective locks 606. Theengagement of the locking tabs 618′, 618″ with the respective locks 606can provide tactile and audible feedback to the user that the connector600 is locked to the housing 220.

With the locking tabs 618′, 618″ engaged with the respective locks 606,the connector 600, and thus, the set connector assembly 602, is securedor locked to the housing 220. With the set connector assembly 602coupled to the fluid reservoir 254, one or more control signals from thecontrol module 226 can drive the motor 232, thereby rotating the drivescrew 236, which results in the linear translation of the slide 238(FIG. 3). The advancement of the slide 238 into the fluid reservoir 254moves the stopper 262, causing the fluid F to flow from the fluidreservoir 254 through the fluid flow path defined by the set connectorassembly 602.

With reference to FIG. 17, the connector 600 is shown in the first,locked position, secured or locked to the housing 220. Thus, duringmovement of the user, the set connector assembly 602 is prevented orinhibited from inadvertently moving or rotating, thereby ensuring anuninterrupted fluid flow path from the fluid reservoir 254 through thetube 210. Stated another way, the connector 600 reduces and eliminatesthe need for an activity guard that locks over a portion of the housing220 containing the fluid reservoir 254. In this regard, the locking tabs618′, 618″ securely couple and lock the fluid reservoir 254 to andwithin the housing 220, thereby reducing and substantially eliminatingthe need for an additional guard against the inadvertent removal of thefluid reservoir 254.

In order to remove the set connector assembly 602, for example, toreplace an empty fluid reservoir 254, with reference to FIG. 18, theforce F1 can be applied to the first wing 614 and the second wing 616 tomove the connector 600 from the first, locked position to the second,unlocked position. The application of the force F1 causes the first wing614 and the second wing 616 to deflect inward, toward the main branch304. The inward deflection of the first wing 614 and the second wing 616causes the respective locking tab 618′, 618″ to move inward, therebyremoving the locking tabs 618′, 618″ from the locks 606. With thelocking tabs 618′, 618″ removed from the locks 606, the connector 600can be rotated, for example, in a counterclockwise direction, andremoved from the housing 220 or moved to the second, unlocked position.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in theforegoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vastnumber of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that theexemplary embodiment or embodiments described herein are not intended tolimit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claimed subjectmatter in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description willprovide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map forimplementing the described embodiment or embodiments. It should beunderstood that various changes can be made in the function andarrangement of elements without departing from the scope defined by theclaims, which includes known equivalents and foreseeable equivalents atthe time of filing this patent application.

What is claimed is:
 1. A set connector assembly for a fluid infusiondevice, comprising: a connector having a body, the body defining agraspable portion and a coupling portion, the coupling portion to bereceived within a portion of the fluid infusion device, the graspableportion having at least one wing that defines at least one locking tabfor locking the connector to the fluid infusion device, the at least onewing includes a first arm and a first flange, and the at least onelocking tab is defined on the first flange so as to extend beyond aperimeter of the body, the first flange includes a surface, and an areaof the surface includes a marking, and the graspable portion is movablerelative to the coupling portion to move the connector between a first,locked position and a second, unlocked position relative to the fluidinfusion device, wherein the marking comprises a trademark and a surfaceof the at least one locking tab includes the marking such that themarking extends over the area of the surface of the flange and thesurface of the at least one locking tab.
 2. The set connector assemblyof claim 1, wherein the at least one wing comprises two wings, and theat least one locking tab comprises two locking tabs, with each of thelocking tabs defined on a respective one of the wings.
 3. The setconnector assembly of claim 1, wherein the graspable portion includes amain branch that couples the graspable portion to the coupling portion,and the at least one wing is coupled to the main branch at one end. 4.The set connector assembly of claim 3, wherein the main branch couplesthe graspable portion to the coupling portion such that a gap is definedbetween the at least one wing and the coupling portion.
 5. The setconnector assembly of claim 3, wherein the main branch defines a borefor receiving a needle and a tube to define a fluid flow path out of thefluid infusion device.
 6. The set connector assembly of claim 1, whereinthe marking comprises at least one of a letter, a symbol and a graphicalicon.
 7. The set connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least onelocking tab is defined near an end of the first arm.
 8. The setconnector assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one locking tab isdefined on a perimeter of the first flange so as to be defined between afirst end and a second end of the first arm.
 9. A set connector assemblyfor a fluid infusion device, comprising: a connector having a body thatdefines a graspable portion and a coupling portion, the coupling portionto be received within a portion of the fluid infusion device, and thegraspable portion including: a first wing that defines a first lockingtab to lock the connector to the fluid infusion device, the first wingincludes a first arm and a first flange, the first locking tab definedon the first flange so as to extend beyond a perimeter of the body; asecond wing that defines a second locking tab to lock the connector tothe fluid infusion device, the second wing includes a second arm and asecond flange, the second locking tab defined on the second flange so asto extend beyond a perimeter of the body; and a main branch having afirst end and a second end, with the first wing coupled to the first endand the second wing coupled to the second end, the main branch couplesthe graspable portion to the coupling portion such that a first gap isdefined between the first wing and the coupling portion, and a secondgap is defined between the second wing and the coupling portion, whereinthe graspable portion is movable relative to the coupling portion tomove the connector between a first, locked position and a second,unlocked position relative to the fluid infusion device, each of thefirst flange and the second flange include a surface, and the surface ofeach of the first flange and the second flange has an area that includesa marking, the marking comprises at least one of a letter, a symbol anda graphical icon, and the first locking tab and the second locking tabeach include a second surface, and the second surface of each of thefirst locking tab and the second locking tab includes a portion of themarking.
 10. The set connector assembly of claim 9, wherein the firstwing is coupled to the first end such that the first wing extends fromthe first end in a direction towards the second end of the main branch,and the second wing is coupled to the second end such that the secondwing extends from the second end in a second direction towards the firstend.
 11. The set connector assembly of claim 9, wherein the first wingis coupled to the first end by a living hinge, and the second wing iscoupled to the second end by a second living hinge.
 12. The setconnector assembly of claim 9, wherein the body defines a longitudinalaxis, and the first flange and the second flange extend along an axistransverse to the longitudinal axis.